Jewelry

The largest online collection of artisan handcrafted jewelry, including pearl, turquoise and handmade silver treasures. "Please check it out for yourself and see the beauty Novica offers." - Decor & Style Magazine.

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The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

Are there any earring designs or symbols that have a particular meaning?

Absolutely! Jewelry is an art form that allows makers to express their individuality and cultural influences, and certain designs are used to represent important symbols. For example, Central American artisans incorporate traditional figures, glyphs, and pre-Hispanic folklore. In Mexico, the famous work of artists Angel Ortiz, Maria Belen Nilson, and Rosa Rojo highlight the beauty of Aztec, Mayan and Teotihuacan civilizations. In Peru, powerful symbols, like the Andean chakana, are used to represent humanitys union with the cosmos. Indian artists are extremely tied to their faith and spirituality. Earring designs include chakra gemstones, motifs of Lord Ganesha, and other spiritual imagery. In Bali, the Om symbol is prevalent, as well as the mythological panther-like Barong image, which is seen as a protector spirit. Designs pulled from the natural world, like animal figures, feathers, plants, as well as stones, are used in almost every culture, which then infuses them with their own particular meanings.

Are there any eco-friendly womens earrings?

Yes! We offer a wide selection of earrings that are made from eco-friendly materials. Cow bone, water buffalo horn, fabric, recycled paper, wood, palm leaf and coconut shells, just to name a few. Product descriptions always list materials used, so be sure to read about each product to discover how artisans are working to ensure sustainability and environmental consciousness.

What materials are best for womens earrings?

There is no best when it comes to handmade earrings. However, certain materials lend themselves well to jewelry. Silver and gold, for example, are frequently used to make earrings because of their luster and shine. Each region puts its own unique touch on the art of earring-making. Most use some combination of silver, gold, gemstones, wooden or glass beads, and bones. Some regions, like West Africa, have found ways to introduce up-cycling into the jewelry-making process. Recycled plastic and paper beads, as well as coconut shells are commonly integrated into beautiful works of earring art. Whatever materials used, quality and safety are always our top priorities. Each pair of earrings is tested to ensure its safety. If you do have sensitive skin, you may consider rhodium plated earrings, as rhodium is completely hypoallergenic. You can always find all relevant information about materials in the product description.

Were mens bracelets worn throughout history?

More than a mere fashion statement, mens jewelry, including bracelets, have been worn throughout history to communicate cultural, religious, and social beliefs. Prehistoric man adorned his wrists with bones and shells to ward off evil spirits. Wealthy men wore bracelets made of gold and silver to display their power and status. Bracelets evolved over time from good luck charms to status symbols to modern style accessories. All the while, they pick up and preserve meaning from the past. In Peru, gold and silver bracelets were meant to complement each other symbolically. Gold represented the sun, the day, and the masculine. Silver represented the moon, the night, and the feminine. These two bright, powerful metals held one another in balance. In Central America, natural materials decorated mens jewelry to signify a connection to place. Metals, bone, shells, bird feathers (especially the beautiful quetzal bird), and carved stones (particularly jade for its power of fertility and life) protected and decorated the wearer.

What materials are used to make mens rings?

Global artisans use all sorts of materials in their handcrafted jewelry for men. In the Andes, sterling silver, leather, and combinations of natural stones are frequently used. In Bali, silver, gold, bone, wood, brass, and stainless copper adorn handmade jewelry. In West Africa, mens jewelry honors the cow, where bone and horns are incorporated into unique pieces.

How do I know if my bracelet is handmade?

Excellent question! There is no simple test that can tell you whether an artisan hand-crafted your jewelry or not. No easy way to know if an item is handmade or factory-produced. But there are details that you can look out for, and hopefully a discerning eye will guide you right. First, look at materials. If a bracelet is made of leather with embossed detailing, or sterling silver with intricate carvings or stone settings, you are entering the realm of the handmade. If a bracelet is made from bone, or makes use of complicated beadwork, if there is evidence of welding or carving, then you can feel good about your purchase. Any true artisan will tell you: no two pieces of jewelry will come out identical if they are made by hand. Beware of sameness. Celebrate the idiosyncrasies of the artists hand and help preserve the techniques and traditions of the past.

What are the most common materials for making mens necklaces?

The materials that comprise handmade artisan necklaces are as varied as the makers themselves. Craftspeople all over the world use metals, like sterling silver, gold, copper and brass, to perfect their designs. Cotton or nylon cord and leather are also common materials used in traditional mens jewelry. Wooden beads, cow bones, coconut shells, bamboo, and gemstones all adorn mens necklaces from across the globe.

How should mens bracelets be styled?

Unique, stylish, and handcrafted. These are the guiding principles of wearing mens jewelry with confidence. There are no rules when it comes to mens bracelets. You can wear simple leather, or a combination of metals. You can go understated or bold. Colorful or subdued. However you choose to display your handmade jewelry, what matters most is that you discover pieces that attest to your own originality.

What makes a necklace eco-friendly?

Many traditional artisans employ the handcrafted techniques of their ancestors, which favored a slow, methodical approach in a small workshop, as opposed to mass production. Today, they preserve these methodologies while intentionally distinguishing their approaches from those of large factories. Respect for the environment, and for animal and human life drive the artwork itself. Natural materials are often a sign that a product is eco-friendly. Additionally, many artisans look for ways to reuse or recycle in their artwork. Some choose to repurpose old wood or fabric. Some recycle glass beads or up-cycle plastic and discarded paper. Others follow practices that conserve resources, like water and energy, and are mindful of the pollutants they release into the environment. Shopping from organizations that promote eco-friendly products is the best way to ensure that you are receiving a unique item that does not damage the world through its making.

Are there specific cultural symbols used in mens necklaces?

Handcrafted mens jewelry captures our undying passion for symbols and meaning through a variety of designs, emblems, and carvings. In ancient Peru, men wore necklaces adorned with pendants of human, animal, and divine characters. A common symbol that has withstood the test of time is the Andean Chakana, or the staggered cross, that attests to the relationship between humankind and the cosmos. In Bali, mens jewelry integrated the cross, the sign of freedom, and Ongkara symbol for oneness and spirituality. In Central America, carved glyphs were commonly used. Animal figures and bird feathers (like the quetzal and macaw) had special significance, as did natural stones. In India, Om and Ganesha symbols are used for protection, prosperity and purity. In West Africa, Gye nyame, symbolizing Gods deep power and infinite knowledge, is still used on necklaces.

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Featured Reviews on Jewelry

Sterling silver spinner ring, 'Traveling Hearts'

By Chris

Love this Ring!

As usual the craftmanship is the best. I love the two hearts that can separate and come back together, this is my alternate wedding band.

Sterling silver band ring, 'Intaglio Curls'

By Janet

This pinky ring is perfect

Small profile but absolutely stunning; I put it on my pinky as soon as I took it out of the fancy cloth bag . Its one of those rings that is an instant favorite! There is even a sizing bar on the bottom if I needed to size it.

Sterling silver and bone cocktail ring, 'Intricate Majesty'

By Neri

Beautiful and Regal, new favorite

I have been looking for the special ring for some time, I finally found it. The design is beautiful, the bone engraving in the center delicate and gorgeous. I like the idea of it been made out of bone, and its symbolism. I am an avid collector of jewels especially rings, this is one of my favorite in my collection of 25+ years. Thank you so much for this piece

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About Handcrafted Jewelry

Men and women have adorned themselves with jewelry since long before the age of reason! Garlands of flowers, bracelets of woven grass, shells, and stone; such were the first decorations to beautify the human body. We may have been wearing jewelry as far back as 75,000 years ago - 30,000 years earlier than previously believed - according to a recent report by National Geographic News. Over the millennia, jewelry styles and materials have evolved in step with the advances of civilization. From the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, from the Iron Age to the Industrial Revolution (and seemingly back again!), jewelry styles have transformed, modernized, and then often returned to their most basic forms and essential elements.

Tips and Resources

Artisan Jewelry Feature: The Inspiration and Challenges of a Handmade Jewelry Artisan

Fermin Vilcapoma discusses talent, passion, determination, and the business savvy that can help a handmade jewelry designer achieve international success. Vilcapoma's interesting handcrafted jewelry designs feature top grade silver from Peru and are embellished with a range of beautiful gemstones. Many of his handmade jewelry designs feature a distinctly Andean perspective, and they are bold and classic at the same time. Born in Lima, Peru, Master Jeweler Fermin Vilcapoma traces his beginnings as a silversmith to age eleven, when, after school, he first began helping his father at the family's workshop. "I attended school in the morning, but I was always daydreaming, creating new designs," Vilcapoma recalls... [continued]

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Jewelry

The largest online collection of artisan handcrafted jewelry, including pearl, turquoise and handmade silver treasures. "Please check it out for yourself and see the beauty Novica offers." - Decor & Style Magazine.

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Target Your Impact

Featured Reviews on Jewelry

Love this Ring!

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This pinky ring is perfect

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Beautiful and Regal, new favorite

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Featured Artist

Sumalee Nawakul Handcrafted beaded jewelry

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About Handcrafted Jewelry

Tips and Resources

Artisan Jewelry Feature: The Inspiration and Challenges of a Handmade Jewelry Artisan

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